Can You Really Paint Over Mould?

Mould shows up in lots of damp places in your home. Bathrooms and basements are prime examples, but it can also show if you get leaks after a very heavy rainfall. Nobody is safe from it, but everybody wants to remove it as fast as possible. And so, some people ask the question: “Can you just paint over mould and be done with it?”, now you’re probably toying with this idea yourself.

While painting over mould might seem like a fast fix, it is not a proper solution. Here you will understand what happens when you cover it up. Then you will learn the right steps to deal with it.

Can you simply paint over mould spots?

The honest answer? No. Definitely not. Why, you ask, what happens if you paint over mould? The spores will stay alive underneath the paint. They will continue to feed on the moisture trapped there. Sooner or later, you might see ugly stains where you painted and the paint can peel or bubble. As long as the mould is there, the stains will also be there.

Hidden mould still releases spores, in case you didn’t know. It can lead you to health issues like coughing, sneezing, and headaches. It can trigger asthma and allergies too. That’s not all. Mould can spread further and damage walls and ceilings.

It is only safe to paint a mould-affected area after the mould has been removed. Only then can you repaint your walls, ceilings, or bathrooms. Any work before that is just wasting your time and hard-earned money.

How to properly treat mould and then paint the affected areas

Now when you know why painting over mould is a bad idea, you can tackle the problem the right way. This is how to treat damp walls before painting.

Step 1: Identify what’s causing the mould growth

Check for leaks, damp spots, or poor ventilation. If you find leaking pipes or cracks that let in water, fix them. After that make sure each room has good airflow. The rooms with windows are easy. You just open wide and remember to do it regularly. For your basement, however, you will need to install a dehumidifier.

Step 2: Clean the mould

Now you need to kill the mould, period. For a mild infestation use good old vinegar. Mix one part white vinegar with one part water. Pour the solution in a spray bottle. Spray the solution directly on the affected area. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes so it can kill the spores. After that, scrub the surface with a brush or cloth and wipe it clean with water.

For tougher infestations, use a commercial mould cleaner. Remember to wear gloves and a mask as you don’t want to inhale the nasty stuff. Scrub the area well and let it dry completely before you move on. Hopefully that works. If it doesn’t, you might have to consider professional mould remediation services.

Step 3: Apply mould-resistant primer

Once the surface is fully dry, apply a mould-resistant or mould-killing primer. The difference between these products is small. A mould-killing primer has ingredients that kill leftover spores on the surface. A mould-resistant primer mainly blocks moisture so mould can’t grow again.

Once the wall is clean and dry, both work about the same. What really matters is how well you prep the surface. If there’s still dampness, no primer will last long. So don’t stress too much about which one you pick, just make sure the wall is dry first. Also make sure the primer suits the type of surface you plan to paint.

Step 4: Paint with mould-resistant paint

After the primer dries, use a high-quality mould-resistant paint to finish the job. There are several types on the market, and the names can be confusing. Mould-resistant paint, mould-proof paint, mould blocker paint, and mould-killing paint are all similar. They work in slightly different ways, but all stop mould from coming back and protect your surfaces.

Mind you, mould-resistant paints cost a bit more than standard paint. However, they more than make up for it over the long term. Choose a paint that suits your surface, whether it is walls, ceilings, or damp-prone areas like bathrooms.

What if someone else has already painted over the mould?

This happens often in rental homes. A tenant or landlord might paint over mould to mask the problem as quickly as possible.

So, how to tell if mould is coming through the paint? Look closely at walls and ceilings. Small dark spots, discoloured patches, or bubbling paint are clear warning signs.

If you see nothing, then pay attention to the smell. A damp or musty smell means mould spores are still active under the surface somewhere.

Sometimes, everything seems fine. But soon you feel unwell. Mould exposure causes a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, skin rashes, sore throat, fatigue, and breathing difficulties. If symptoms improve when you leave home, mould is likely the cause.

You already know what needs to be done. You’ve got this. However, you should also know when it might be more than you bargained for. Sometimes the damage is deeper than you could possibly know…

How can professional mould remediation help?

DIY mould removal works for small spots. Sadly not always. If mould keeps coming back or spreads over a large area then call a professional service.

Experts know how to test for mould and handle it safely. They can locate hidden mould behind walls, floors, and ceilings. These are places you might not even think to check. Pros also have special tools and protective gear. These you can’t just buy at a regular store.

A typical mould removal service follows a few key steps. First, they inspect the area thoroughly. They find all affected spots, even those out of sight. Next, they clean the surfaces, dry the area completely, and apply treatments to stop mould from returning. Many services also improve ventilation or recommend repairs to prevent future growth.

When you research for a mould removal company, look for one that specialises in mould control and offers long-term solutions. A proper service does more than clean the surface. It removes the problem at its source and protects your home from future. That’s what you want.